The Status Red wind warning means schools and creches across the country will close, the National Emergency Coordination Group has said.  

Higher education facilities will also shut and employers are being asked to let staff work from home where possible.

The entire country will come under a Status Red wind alert at varying times on Friday morning, with the warning remaining in effect in most places until midday.

Expiration times range from 10am in Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford to 3pm in Donegal on Friday afternoon.

High waves at Salthill, Galway in 2024. Picture by: PA Photo.

Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel said it is vital people avoid travelling during the worst of the storm. 

“This is a phenomenally strong storm,” he said. 

“Storm Eowyn will go down as a generational storm based upon the models and the strength of the winds that we’re seeing forecast. 

“My advice and the advice of any of the agencies would certainly be to avoid travel during the peak times of the storm - irrespective if you’re in a Status Red or a Status Orange warning area. 

“Just essentially wait it out at home until the worst of the winds have subsidised.” 

Wind speeds in certain parts of the country will reach up to 180 kilometres per hour. 

Main image: A family watching stormy weather. Picture by: Alamy.com